Subject: Children in pubs and resturants ?
Posted by: s-m-w
Date: May 05 10
Just arrived back from town after a day’s shopping; nothing unusual about that or that we had a late breakfast in the Copa in Cheltenham (which I can strongly recommend).
OK, long story short...
Was just about to tuck into a wonderful “Full English” (11.30) when in walked mother, daughter with one 4 year old girl and a baby boy approx 10 months into the selfsame pub/restaurant my initial thoughts were “please sit anywhere but not close to us” and looking around many of the other patrons felt the same. But, no such luck! The noise of screaming and throwing of anything within grasp of the brats then ensued. Many of the people sitting around either just left the establishment or took their food /drink to other tables hoping to continue in peace.
Question, am I and others who would like to enjoy their food/drink in such places being unreasonable, or is it time that people with unruly peace disrupting kids were asked to either stay at home or control their kids?
It was a dark day in my opinion when the licence laws changed in U.K to allow children onto licensed premises.
Rant over.
Posted by: s-m-w
Date: May 05 10
Just arrived back from town after a day’s shopping; nothing unusual about that or that we had a late breakfast in the Copa in Cheltenham (which I can strongly recommend).
OK, long story short...
Was just about to tuck into a wonderful “Full English” (11.30) when in walked mother, daughter with one 4 year old girl and a baby boy approx 10 months into the selfsame pub/restaurant my initial thoughts were “please sit anywhere but not close to us” and looking around many of the other patrons felt the same. But, no such luck! The noise of screaming and throwing of anything within grasp of the brats then ensued. Many of the people sitting around either just left the establishment or took their food /drink to other tables hoping to continue in peace.
Question, am I and others who would like to enjoy their food/drink in such places being unreasonable, or is it time that people with unruly peace disrupting kids were asked to either stay at home or control their kids?
It was a dark day in my opinion when the licence laws changed in U.K to allow children onto licensed premises.
Rant over.
131 replies. On page 1 of 7 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
pmarney 
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It's the same all over the UK, but it also happens around Europe, but there they seem to control their kids better. We notice it in the Restaraunts in Spain even, the British kids run havoc and yet the local Spanish kids behave. Last year we actually had a single Mum from Scotland change her baby on the floor of the outside eating right beside where we were eating and yet the toilets with a nappy changing area were less than 10 feet away. Our big rant is kids on planes and I know it effects babies ears and you can allow for that, but we always get the kid behind kicking the back of the seat throughout the whole flight, why can't British parents control their offspring like the rest of Europe and probably the World. Reply #1. May 05 10, 11:02 AM |
BIG_Flicker
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I tend to frequent specialised restuarants, Chinese, Indian, Italian or Thai and often choose eateries that are upstairs away from street level. Less chance of kids in those types of eateries but I agree with kids being allowed into pubs/restuarants, and if we are to be more "European" like, no one should be against families dining together. I agree about the behaviour of British children being naughtier than almost everywhere else, but that may stem from the "non spanking" stance that seems to have gripped Britain. I can't remember the last time I had to listen to unruly kids whilst eating out. Fast food outlets are not for me, perhaps that's why drive-thru places were created, just to give customers and staff peace? Reply #2. May 05 10, 11:44 AM |
| s-m-w
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Many European restaurants have outside seating for those who like to enjoy the good weather, have no problem with kids sitting outside eating as a family (unless the area is being used by smokers which could be harmful to the child) but why should they be allowed to disrupt indoors? Surely there are enough fast food outlets for the less discerning diner? Perhaps they would find this a less controlling environment, allowing them to enjoy their meal together without having to spend all their energy admonishing their kid’s behaviour? Reply #3. May 05 10, 12:00 PM |
Deunan
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Children act as they are taught to act. I was in a seafood restaurant with a friend. At a table diagonally across from us sat four "almost" adults. They were probably 18 or older. They were engaged in a game of throwing food. Shrimp, pieces of lobster and even the cheese garlic biscuits were ending up on other tables. Everyone was trying to ignore them and their behavior. When a chunk of lobster flew over to our table and landed on my plate of food, I had enough. I stood up, approached their table and informed them they would be paying for my meal. "So what" one of them said. "We're only having fun" another stated. Apparently other customers had advised the manager about the nonsense as he joined me standing at the table. The manager advised them it was time for them to leave, that my meal would be added to their bill and they were banned from the restaurant permanently. That was when the "my dad is", "my mother is" whinging started. Apparently they felt as their parents were "somebody", they had the right to do whatever they pleased. They even went so far as to state they were going to make us pay for not treating them like they deserved to be treated. Once they left, everyone at the tables around their table applauded. The manager apologized to everyone. My plate was removed and replaced with a new dinner. I was not allowed to behave in such a manner. To do so would have meant not going out to dinner and remaining at home with a babysitter or another relative. It happens wherever and whenever parents do not teach their children how to behave. Teaching them does not mean hitting them. That, in my opinion, only teaches them to hit. Reply #4. May 05 10, 12:00 PM |
honeybee4
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I am not overly bothered by other people's kids while eating out. The majority of them act just fine. Once in a while there will be some kids that act up and I can deal with the little ones. Maybe they are tired, maybe they would rather be elsewhere. The young, almost adults, do bother me because they should know better. Reply #5. May 05 10, 12:14 PM |
dippo
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"Children in pubs and restaurants ?" Only if they're spit roasted. Reply #6. May 05 10, 12:20 PM |
| s-m-w
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"Children in pubs and restaurants ?" Only if they're spit roasted. Sadly this is no longer allowed due the poisonous toxins which could be harmful to the adult consumer...lol Reply #7. May 05 10, 12:25 PM |
jolana
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Interesting topic. Fortunately, the pubs in Central Europe are still meant for adults only, you know, drinking, smoking etc. Reply #8. May 05 10, 12:31 PM |
| s-m-w
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Not sure which is the lesser of two evils..? Being killed by second hand smoke or having my nerves stretched by unruly kids? Reply #9. May 05 10, 12:36 PM |
| jolana
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You can´t have both:) Reply #10. May 05 10, 12:51 PM |
lesley153
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I have a lot of sympathy with small children who have been dragged from pillar to post on little legs, and are exhausted, but lack the vocabulary to say "I need a rest," so they sit down and refuse to move, while Impatient Parent explodes at them for being uncooperative whingers. Why are British nannies in such demand, while so many British parents are useless? Something else I don't understand is the food fight: why people pay for food so they can throw it at other people. Is it significant that Deunan's "almost adults" were throwing luxurious, expensive food around? Reply #11. May 05 10, 2:22 PM |
| Anton
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I expect little kids to act this way. They don't know any better yet. It's not that the parents haven't taught them, but their minds haven't developed yet. It annoys me, but I understand. As for those "almost" adults, if they are of legal age, a beating will put them in their place. Reply #12. May 05 10, 2:57 PM |
| lesley153
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ALV, you're right about the little ones, but I think the ones who are old enough to run around screaming are old enough to be taught not to. A beating for having a lobster fight? Good idea! Reply #13. May 05 10, 3:13 PM |
C30
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There is a restaurant in Wales, which has on it's door "Dogs welcome, children must be kept on a lead". When asked why, the owner said that he had never experienced any trouble from unruly dogs,only from unruly children! Reply #14. May 05 10, 3:22 PM |
| Deunan
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The manager and I chatted after the quasi-adults were dismissed from the restaurant. He said he considered having them buss every table in the place and clean up the kitchen. He decided against it as he realized they would probably engage in more "fun" while avoiding their lesson. Considering the price of lobster, etc., at that time, and the fact the little darlings drove off in a Mercedes, I can bet they are never going to grow up until Mummy and Daddy wake up and realize their little darlings are not really darling at all. Reply #15. May 05 10, 3:25 PM |
| BIG_Flicker
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"Why are British nannies in such demand, while so many British parents are useless?" Well, maybe the fathers need to get onto the golf course and the mothers are wanting to watch Jeremy Kyle in peace :) Patience, communication skills, tolerance levels, spending quality time together, participating in each others hobbies/free time, an understanding of what children want some of the time but not giving in to demands every time, little things like that would help. Manners should be taught as soon as a child can talk. If kids are smart enough to ask for something, rewarding them only after please and thank you has been said and acknowledged will go a long way to making them better people. Some parents just want peace and quiet and can't understand that showing some patience, calmness and being polite back to civilised request is better than the need for a smack on the hand when time is against them. That's where nannies could well be superior at some childrens upbringing, more time to explain and educate and learn manners. Just my opinion though. Reply #16. May 05 10, 3:49 PM |
| romeomikegolf
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s-m-w, for once I agree with you. Too many parents seem to think that they can let their kids run riot where ever they are. When I grew up we sat outside with a bottle of Vimto and a bag of crisps. Later on some pubs provided 'family rooms' where the little brats could enjoy themselves without upsetting everybody else. A pub is not really the place for young children, they hear things they shouldn't. My local allows dogs and well behaved kids. On Sunday afternoon there is a time known as 'sprogs and dogs' but they are all still kept under control. Perhaps it's because we live in a small community and every one knows every one else. Perhaps in a town centre pub you are anonymous and don't care? Reply #17. May 06 10, 12:33 AM |
| pmarney
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Reading through a lot of these it is like I thought just a UK problem. We used to have foreign students stay with us and they thought it the norm to go to Pubs etc and could not see what the issue was as in France, Spain etc it is the normal way of life which they are brought up with. We holiday around Europe a lot and have never had a problem with their kids, in fact we normally comment on how well behaved they are Reply #18. May 06 10, 1:48 AM |
| s-m-w
|
Some though evoking comments.Thanks... “s-m-w, for once I agree with you”.. RMG, we have agreed on many occasions, and having a point of view is I feel is what the boards should be about! Agree that rural pubs have a better control on the situation, the people in tighter communities have a closer connection to their neighbours and tend ( I feel) to work harder to keep their reputation and respect. The “sprogs and dogs” sign would bring outrage in the cities but is perfectly acceptable in villages. Vimto ehh, my choice (if asked) was always a Rickey (sp) and the crisps with the little bag of salt at the bottom. Never did me any harm to be outside and play with the other kids. “ Reading through a lot of these it is like I thought just a UK problem.” Don’t necessary totally agree with this comment “pmarney” I have also spent much of my life in other countries and have come across the same behaviour as in my opening comments, perhaps not so widespread, but it certainly does exist. Perhaps I am to blame? Perhaps I am now of an age that these things annoy me more than when I was a young father? Only difference is that my kids never behaved that way and I as a child would never have been allowed to either. "Why are British nannies in such demand, while so many British parents are useless?" Didn’t realise they were in such demand? Perhaps it’s the language or the price they charge, or that those who choose to do such a job have better morals than those young adolescence that have lost respect for themselves and others which is also common place and can be readily observed around our wonderful Island. My children were guided by an English nanny in their formative years and a very good job she did too, thus allowing the parents to work harder for the future of said sprogs...lol The food fight incident (albeit very entertaining for the reader) is anecdotal and should have been easily controlled by good management. So what is happening? Why are our children and children’s children now so badly controlled and behaved? Or, is just down to modern life and the change in our licensing laws which now allow the brats into the same room as those wishing to “ just have a quiet drink ...or “Full English” on a day off...lol Reply #19. May 06 10, 2:55 AM |
redwaldo
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I've worked in pubs and apart for going in for a meal (in certain areas), I don't think kids should be allowed.There has to be a few places where Adults can let off steam! Reply #20. May 06 10, 3:59 AM |
131 replies. On page 1 of 7 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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